Enhancing Nutrient Utilisation through Effective Muck and Slurry Management
Accurate information optimises cost savings when applying nutrients to crops through a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Unfortunately, many farms overlook the analysis of on-farm manures, including slurry, farmyard manure, and dirty waters, relying instead on standard values outlined in RB209. Often, these traditional values diverge from the actual on-farm values due to factors such as dry matter content and livestock feed ratios.
This discrepancy may result in underapplying nutrients, negatively impacting crop yield and quality. Conversely, overapplication can lead to unnecessary expenses and an increased risk of environmental pollution. Although the differences in on-farm versus standard values may seem marginal, the cumulative impact can be substantial, considering the high cost of artificial fertilisers over large quantities.
To avoid this potential pitfall, it is crucial to regularly sample on-farm manures and analyse them for accurate information integrated into a comprehensive, farm-specific Nutrient Management Plan. While basic Nutrient Management Plans recommend crop nutrients, a detailed, farm-specific NMP delves deeper by assessing on-farm manures, targeting optimal applications and timings for specific fields and crops. Livestock calculations, manure storage plans, spreading risk maps, and soil analyses are also incorporated, ensuring the NMP is inspection-ready for regulatory agencies like the EA, NRW, or RPA.
By consistently sampling and analysing on-farm manures alongside a meticulous, farm-specific Nutrient Management Plan, farmers gain peace of mind for potential inspections and maximise yields and margins by efficiently utilising available manures.
4R Reassurance offers manure sampling and analysis as a standalone service or part of its customised farm-specific NMP and agricultural services. Explore the benefits of a Nutrient Management Plan.
Project Team Leader
4R Reassurance General Manager
General Manager
Nigel has a farming background, agricultural degree and experience of managing large-scale recycling operations together with training that includes; NEBOSH, WAMITAB, FACTS and many practical safety courses Nigel is well placed to support farms with improving their Health and Safety performance.
Nigel Box